What about using Break Days, aka “Cheat” Days ?
Some health and diet literature does recommend something like a “date” or “party” night once a week or so, and I can surely see the benefit of such a thing. With other strategies, there’s talk abt a metabolism re-set doing this, but I don’t that would pertain so well here. However, it might be fun and fun is surely good for the soul (!). Downside, of course, is slipping right back into older non ketogenic habits. If this does not happen, what do you think might result from a evening out once a week - yes still healthy, no stuffing but surely maybe some spirits added and maybe also dessert ? Ha ha and then next day maybe back to 12 net carbs per day for a day or two, then let it rise to 20 again ?
Thanks !
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As I mentioned on the IF thread, I'm currently doing a month of weekly carb cycling. I'll let you know how it goes! 😀
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dr.marcy.meyer
yes, MOST interested in this !
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I don't cheat. I am doing this mainly for health reasons, arthritis. If after getting your body into ketosis and burning fat then throw a bunch of carbs in your body may not burn it as fuel but just store it as fat. Also if I go over on my carbs I notice joint pain coming back. So it's not worth it to me.
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carolmotsinger
yes SO important for us all to know ourselves while doing all if this. Good and great for you !!!
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I have been on this keto diet for 6 months and have lost 22 lbs. Now I’ve been stuck for 2 weeks but I’ve also thrown in a few cheat days. I noticed that when I eat more carbs now my feet and hands swell up. Has anyone else had that happen? It takes 2 days of strict 25 carbs/day for the swelling goes down.
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lori11530 Lori, when you have those cheat days, are you eating single ingredient items, like sweet potatoes, fruit or "mixed" carbs like bread, pasta? That might be the difference. Lots of people do report, however, side effects from carbs, especially mixed carbs. ( i'm sure there is a better name for them but I can't think of it. )
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I think an occasional cheat day is healthy for the soul. Keep in mind that it will take about 4 days to get back into keto after a big cheat. If I cheat on Monday then it might be Thursday before I am back in keto fat burning mode. I burn fat Thursday - Sunday night and repeat.
So, weekly cheats may cut progress by more than 57% (4/7). Using the same math, monthly cheat days may cut progress by about 13% (4/30).
What works for me is to have an occasional cheat day or days to celebrate with family, go on vacation, etc.
Thoughts?
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Why does this need to be construed as “cheating”? I don’t get it. Every person excels when a reward is given for accomplishments. I think if you can refrain from full-blown bender habits, then go for it on occasion. You HAVE to have some enjoyment as well in life. It really is short and should be enjoyed.
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Melnatgij2017
I so agree with you on this - just what you’ve said !!!
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Stan W
Absolutely ! I’ve been working on this and would love to participate in ongoing conversation as we work out the balance here. Have just agreed the same with Melnatgij2017
Let me just start a new thread here and maybe call it “Balancing Life with Keto”. Although some folks might well not want to do this at a particular stage in their trajectory, others might. I totally honor both approaches !
I also think that once at a decided goal, this might well be a needed strategy. And those who feel they can do this might well enjoy a community of folks who are actively trying to do this successfully.
Whaddyathink ? Please chime into my thread, both of you - Stan W and Melnatgij2017 if you would like to 😊hopefully others will as well ...
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yatesa12
I am glad to participate in any interesting topic.
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I was staying in trace ketones, and took a break day. After 2 days back on the keto, I was back into heavy zone. So now I take break days when I have 4 or 5 days in low ketone levels. So far, every time I restart, I go into heavy ketone levels. Usually taking 1 break every 2 weeks. So far, so good.
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I figure I have been cheat eating for 20 years lol
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Don't think of it as "cheating" but rather as planned cycling out of ketosis/low-carb. There are benefits as long as you don't do it too often (IMHO, no more than once a week) and don't take it as license to gorge yourself on junk food. For me, a cycling day typically means that I go from <25g carbs/day to about 100-125g and an increase of about 500kcal. I still pay attention to the quality and quantity of what I'm eating to make sure it stays a treat and not a binge. What you shouldn't do is adopt a sin and repent mentality, in which you try to make up for a "cheat" by going excessively low calorie and strict the following day. Just enjoy your treat and then go back to the same plan you were on. You might see a day or so of a couple pounds of water weight, but it will disappear just as quickly.
